Pili (Canarium ovatum)

Main Facts about Pili

Canarium ovatum is a native to the Philippines large tropical evergreen tree and known locally as Pili. It grows wild to 50-60ft. The purple-black fruits are about 2-3" long with the large edible seed inside.
Although they are grown as ornamental trees in many areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, only the Philippines produces and processes pili nuts commercially. There is no commercial planting of this crop, fruits are collected from natural stands in the mountains.

Using Pili

Pili nuts are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus and Vitamin E. They are also high in calories and saturated fat.
Pili nuts were traditionally used as an ointment for healing wounds and as a plaster. Raw nuts are a purgative.
Recent studies results suggest a potential use of Pili for skin whitening. The amino acids in pili helps in balanced blood-sugar levels, development of muscle-tissue, hormones production and nerve-cell health. It also assist in the regulation of energy, support healthy bones and skin, liver detoxification and balance in the brain. Magnesium helps supports healthier nerves, bones and muscle. The omega fatty acids serves immune functions and aid in protection from various diseases including cardiovascular diseases by helping to prevent cholesterol before turning to plaque. The oil in Pili is similar to olive oil but it contains more beta carotene, which is more nutritious.

Cooking with Pili

The delicious nuts are edible, having a warm flavor much like that of a roasted pumpkin seed. They can be eaten raw, soaked or cooked, give smoothies a thick, buttery texture. The nuts are used in a variety of desserts, baked goods, and most commonly eaten roasted.
Young shoots are used in salads, and the fruit pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned. Boiled Pili pulp resembles the sweet potato in texture, it is oily and is considered to have food value similar to the avocado. Pulp oil
can be used for cooking.
Pili nuts are ground into a healthier alternative to chocolate.

How to grow Pili

Pili is a tropical tree preferring warm temperatures and well-distributed rainfall. It cannot tolerate the slightest frost or low
temperature. In its natural habitat it grows at low to medium altitudes in primary and secondary forests. Mature trees can resist strong winds.
Pili is propagated by seed. The tree is fairly difficult to propagate other ways and only a small number of named varieties exist.